A major hospital trade group launched a six-figure ad campaign this week calling on Congress to extend disaster relief tax credits that the group says will help facilities recover from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) on Tuesday said assistance is needed to help employers in the impacted areas rebuild, and to provide incentives to keep or bring back employees to live and work in the impacted areas.
Specifically, FAH wants Congress to reinstate Katrina-era employee retention tax credits, aimed at encouraging businesses to keep their employees on payroll during natural disasters.
FAH is also asking Congress to extend and expand Work Opportunity Tax Credits for hospitals to hire individuals from certain targeted groups who have faced barriers to employment, as well as to offer tax credits for hospitals that offer housing for employees.
“Hospitals went above and beyond to ensure 24/7 quality care and provide basic necessities for patients, employees, and communities during Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” FAH’s Charlene MacDonald said in a statement.
“Now, as hospitals work to recover, rebuild, and prepare for future natural disasters, it’s critical that Congress provides meaningful support by passing commonsense, bipartisan policies to ensure hospitals have the resources needed to continue providing uninterrupted patient care.”
The organization wants its priorities included in a bipartisan disaster aid bill that lawmakers are aiming to pass by the end of the year. Lawmakers want to replenish funds for communities recovering from disasters, after major storms in recent months depleted the nation’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The White House has asked for $98 billion, though it’s unclear if Republicans will agree to that amount.
A bipartisan group of senators was pushing for a vote this week, though it’s likely a disaster package will be included as part of a year-end government funding bill.